Today is Groundhog day in the United States!
The groundhog that we are talking about is called Punxsutawney Phil.
The ceremony happens in Pennsylvania.
If he comes out of the ground and doesn’t see his shadow the legend says that there will be an early spring.
If he does see his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter.
However, in the past he hasn’t been very accurate in his predictions!
According to USA Today, “Since 1887, the groundhog has seen his shadow 102 times to forecast a longer winter and not seen it 18 times to predict an early spring. (There is no record of the prediction for 10 times in the late 19th century.)”
There was a movie called Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and Americans like to refer to this movie a lot in conversation when something feels repetitive.
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Phrases you can say if it’s bad Groundhog Day news (if you’re going to have 6 more weeks of winter):
- “I guess it’s gonna be a long winter.”
- “Spring’s coming late this year.”
- “Bummer. I’m so sick of winter!”
Go out and practice these phrases with native speakers on Groundhog Day!
Let’s hope for an early spring this year!
Let us know your questions below.
